Whilst it is important to design your new kitchen according to your own tastes, there are some things that should be avoided if you want to avoid detracting from your home in the long run. Kitchen remodeling mistakes, such as boxing in a fridge or positioning cabinets out of reach, can be expensive to put right. The Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning Buying Guide recently spoke to some kitchen professionals on how to avoid the five most common mistakes. Dont squeeze in an island Kitchen Islands Chelly Wentworth, of Craftsman Design and Renovation says A 12-foot-wide kitchen is too narrow for an island. However, many people insist on adding an island to a small kitchen and then end up with cramped aisles. Dont undersize your refrigerator Cabinet-depth refrigerators, typically 57 to 60 cm deep instead of the standard 60 to 64 cm, dont protrude as far into the body of the kitchen. However, less depth also means less capacity. If you want the streamlined look and have a family, opt for a wider built-in fridge. Dont put the microwave in a difficult place The microwave is used a great deal in many kitchens but it can often be sited as an afterthought in an inconvenient spot, according to Duval Acker of Kitchens by Design. Placing a microwave above a range can mean having to stretch too much to reach it and putting it below a counter means bending. A simpler and cheaper solution is to leave it on a worktop if you have the space. Dont be a slave to trends Watch out for the things youre seeing in every magazine, says Curt Schultz, a realtor, architect, and contractor. Go for safer styles, with classic, timeless looks, that will stand the test of time. Dont ignore the future Plan ahead for later in life by making sure there is plenty of light (to accommodate aging eyes) and providing at least one spot where the cook can sit down.